[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION CONGRESSIONAL 
                               FELLOWSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2016

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to draw attention to a 
development that remained largely unnoticed; discontinuation of the 
Fulbright Congressional Fellowship program run by the American 
Political Science Association (APSA).
   My office has regularly welcomed international fellows. We continue 
to host these talented professionals from different areas around the 
world. Between 2004 and 2008, I hosted two APSA-Fulbright Congressional 
Fellows from India; an academic, Medha Nanivadekar, and a New Dehli 
journalist, Prasad Venkateswara Kunduri.
   These Fellows brought a great deal of depth and perspective to the 
office at a time when relationship between United States of America and 
India was expanding like never before. Today, the U.S. and India are 
engaged across more than 60 fields.
   Prasad, in particular came at a time when we in the Congress were 
deeply engaged and debating the Civil Nuclear Deal with India. I valued 
his perspective and understanding of the intricacies of discourse 
within India on the issue as well as the impact the process could have 
on U.S.-India relations and domestic politics.
   During 2007-2008, Prasad spent a year in Washington, D.C. Since his 
return, he remains in contact with me and my office. He continues to 
share his experiences as a Fellow with his colleagues to promote a 
greater understanding of how the U.S. Congress works. When I have 
traveled to India he is engaged in events related to my trip. I 
continue to appreciate his perspective when working on issues related 
to India.
   Since we do not have a regular official delegation-level exchange 
program between the U.S. Congress and Parliament of India many of us 
travel to India as part of various programs organized by different 
groups or Co-Dels which include special events like one that retraced 
Martin Luther King's journey in India. Events organized by former 
Fellows like Prasad help bridge the gap between U.S. law-makers and 
people.
   These Fellows who come to Washington, D.C. and spend a year on The 
Hill, help create a relationship with U.S. law-makers, staff, policy 
planners, advocacy groups and colleagues in the program. What they take 
back enriches the United States' relationship with these communities.
   The Fulbright-APSA Congressional Fellowship Program was part of 
APSA's Congressional Fellowship Program. It was established over 60 
years ago and remains a highly selective, non-partisan, early-to-mid 
career program devoted to expanding knowledge and awareness of 
Congress. The program enjoys a reputation for excellence among those 
concerned with the quality of government and the ways in which 
democracies function. The APSA-Congressional Fellowship ended after a 
five year run.
   Appreciating the initiative and contribution of the program, I urge 
the Fulbright Board to reconsider and fund APSA Congressional 
Fellowship.

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